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Saturday, July 26, 2008

Five foot one half inch of Energy

Mom was never Five foot tall. She always added "and one half inch" as if it were a badge of honor. That one half inch seemed to be filled with extra energy. Mom never walked she bounded. Her one arm would be swinging back and forth as she walked to get out extra energy so her short legs could keep up with everyone. Life was meant to be lived at full speed ahead.Mom's stove had 2 temperatures - off and burn. Her car had 2 speeds - accelerate and brake.

This energy field around her would often drive me crazy. She would tell me my bedroom had to be cleaned by Saturday and by Wednesday she would be in my room cleaning because she couldn't wait for me. I was just a bit more casual about housekeeping and would have gotten around to it - really!

Everyone loved her. At church she served where ever needed and with the same energy. At lodge she served and gave her all. In the neighborhood she was known as the cookie lady and all the kids knew they could come over for a hug and a cookie. Even at the sr. apartment where she spent the past couple years she went nonstop at all events. She didn't know people's names anymore but was a friend to everyone.

Two weeks ago I got a call from the staff at Mom's apartment. She was having problems at breakfast eating and didn't seem to be able to swallow. We went to the ER to get things checked out and over the course of a couple days we discovered she had several old strokes which explained the confused words and dementia. They also seemed to have affected her nerves in the neck area causing an inability to swallow without gagging. Within a few days she couldn't get anything down.With everything going on - dementia, etc.- I called my brother and we decided no extreme measures, no feeding tubes. She wouldn't want that. The past couple weeks I've been spending my time between work and the hospital.

Yesterday morning this bundle of energy had no more to give. She died quietly in her sleep. It's a every strange feeling. I'm sad but not. How could you be sad for someone who lived such a full life and was so loved by everyone she met.

Mom loved red and especially cardinals. We had a billions cardinals around the house. Once things settle down a bit I'm going to design a bag. It will be red and full of energy. Mom will like it.

8 comments:

I'm so sorry for your loss Jill. My your mom find the peace she so rich deserves - for that is what she cultivates on earth. And may you find strength and comfort in the thoughts and prayers of those around you. You are in mine.

I'm very sorry for you loss... but she sounds like she had an impact on every single person she met. She sounds like she lived her life and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I know it must be hard, but keep remembering all the great things about her. And she'll always be with you. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}

I am also very sorry for your loss. Having recently lost my brother, I know there's not much I can say that will make you feel better, but your mother sounds like an amazing woman! I've always been "four eleven and three-quarters" (a very important three-quarters), so I can really relate to her feisty spirit. I'm sure the bag you create will be a wonderful tribute to her.

About Jill

I'm owned by 2 cats, Chief and Bert. They allow me to spend as much time as I want knitting, quilting, and hanging out on the computer as long as I keep part of my lap free for them.
I used to own a shop where we helped people with their fiber arts needs. We had classes and supplies for knitting, machine knitting, quilting, and other sewing.
Right now I'm in corporate America but finding my way back to my passion. This blog is my journey back to knitting and quilting with plenty of cat stories thrown in.
I'm on Ravelry as JillsKnit. This has been my Internet name for over 10 years. It came from shortening the name of my former shop - Jill's All Sew Knit.